HoustonBallet
HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 5
Pretty Things
VOL. 4, ISSUE 5 2022
Peter Pan
Sept. 9-18, 2022
Good Vibrations
Sept. 22-October 2, 2022
Romeo & Juliet Feb. 23-March 5, 2023
Summer & Smoke March 9-19, 2023
Divergence
May 25-June 4, 2023
Swan Lake June 8-18, 2023
The Nutcracker Nov. 25 - Dec. 24, 2022
Margaret Alkek Williams
Jubilee of Dance Dec. 2, 2022
Academy Spring Showcase April 28-29, 2023
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PRETTY THINGS
CONTENTS
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FIRST POSITION A brief history of Houston Ballet alum and Pretty Things choreographer Trey McIntyre; an up-close look at the ONE|end|ONE tutu created by award-winning designer Holly Hynes; a quick Q&A with Hush choreographer Christopher Bruce
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ADD TO PLAYLIST Take this quiz to find out which David Bowie hit should be your next soundtrack
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PRETTY THINGS Here you’ll find a QR code to the latest casting plus information on the artists behind Pretty Things
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ÉTOILE
Nozomi Iijima. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Meet the visionary leaders investing in Houston Ballet’s world-class performances and programs
IN THIS ISSUE 6 Welcome Letter 24 Company Profiles 29 Corporate Sponsors 36 Annual Supporters 41 Special Events 42 In the Wings
Scan here for the latest casting!
HOUSTON BALLET
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Houston Ballet 601 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002 713.523.6300 info@houstonballet.org www.houstonballet.org Stanton Welch AM Artistic Director James Nelson Executive Director Ben Stevenson OBE Artistic Director Emeritus
PUBLISHED BY Houston Ballet CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Angela Lane
Welcome! Dear Houston Ballet friends, Welcome to Pretty Things! After successful runs of Jewels and Sylvia, we’re proud to bring you a curated bill of three one-act ballets. This show is a wonderful opportunity for you to see our artists in a different light; their impressive range of talent and technique will be seen on the stage tonight through a variety of different pieces. Houston Ballet alum Trey McIntyre returns to his roots in Houston to present the world premiere of Pretty Things, a ballet exploring peacocking behavior in male dancers. Originally intended to premiere at the beginning of the pandemic, Pretty Things has been in the works for years and has long awaited its stage debut. The opportunity to highlight male dancers through this performance is a feat we’re excited to show you, made possible by McIntyre’s choreographic talents and the generosity of underwriters Allison and Troy Thacker. We also present Christopher Bruce’s Hush, a spirited favorite exploring the complexities of family dynamics. Bruce’s
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unique choreography is celebrated across the globe; Hush in particular is made all the more engaging by its soundtrack by Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma. Originally created for a world premiere on Houston Ballet nearly a decade ago, Jorma Elo’s ONE|end|ONE returns to the Wortham. Elo’s award-winning creation reflects the dancemaker’s quirky and unexpected movements to create an atmosphere of playfulness and has become a staple in Houston Ballet’s repertoire. I want to thank each of you for your presence; none of this would be possible without your constant support and loyalty to our Company. We are truly grateful.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS Angela Lee ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS Jasmine Fuller Cane DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Kate Wood PROJECT STAFF Lynn Chung, Tory Lieberman, Jared Murphy ADVERTISING SALES Ventures Marketing Group Matt Ross
HoustonBallet Vol. 4, Issue 5
See you in the theater,
STANTON WELCH AM Houston Ballet Artistic Director
Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch. Photo by Charles Ford
ON THE COVER Demi Soloist Chandler Dalton with Artist of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar.
June 2022 Perspectives Series Faculty Chamber Music Tuesdays, June 7, 14, 21
Festival Orchestra Series
June 11: Franz Anton Krager, conductor – Schubert, Gershwin, Strauss June 18: Hans Graf, conductor – Janáček, Bartók June 25: Mei-Ann Chen, conductor – Hindemith, Dawson
Institute Concerts
June 10: Vocal Institute: Building Your Craft June 24: Jazz Institute June 25 and 26: Keyboard Academy
(re)Discovery Week
June 21-25: Concerts, discussion, and performances featuring works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Dawson Tickets:
Originals June 2-12
The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra STANTON WELCH AM
World Premiere MELODY MENNITE
Orange
With Dance Theatre of Harlem STANTON WELCH AM
World Premiere CONNOR WALSH
Production underwriting by Stephanie and Frank Tsuru
houstonballet.org | 713.227.2787 (ARTS)
FIRST
POSITION
Choreographer Trey McIntyre with Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
SPOTLIGHT p. 10
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ANATOMY OF A SCENE p. 11
Welcome Home A brief career timeline of celebrated choreographer Trey McIntyre, who returns to his home company for Pretty Things By Kate Wood
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EN POINTE p. 12
TODAY, KANSAS NATIVE TREY MCINTYRE is an award-winning choreographer whose work has appeared on countless stages across the country. But in 1987, years before his successful career earned him recognition and accolades, McIntyre was a student in the Houston Ballet Academy who got his choreographic start right here in the Bayou City. For Academy students and Company dancers alike, choreography is part of the curriculum. “In a lot of companies or schools, you may not choreograph
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UPLIFT p. 13
at all unless you seek it out,” explains Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch AM. “At Houston Ballet there are many opportunities to participate in the choreographic process, and I think that’s why when our dancers start to create professionally, they’re already much further ahead in their abilities.” After his Academy graduation in 1989, McIntyre joined the Company as an Apprentice. That same year, his penchant for choreographic creativity was recognized, and he was appointed HOUSTON BALLET
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FIRST POSITION to Choreographic Apprentice, a role created specifically for him by former Houston Ballet Artistic Director Ben Stevenson OBE. In 1995, McIntyre was promoted to Choreographic Associate. The title was well earned seeing as the year prior, McIntyre had just become “the youngest choreographer selected internationally to participate in New York City Ballet’s prestigious ‘Diamond Project,’ designed to foster the creation of new dance works,” according to American Ballet Theatre. During his 13 years as a Choreographic Associate, McIntyre flourished as a talented choreographer at the beginning of a very promising career. He created many pieces on Houston Ballet that are still in the Company’s repertoire today, including his enchanting full-length Peter Pan, which will be performed as part of Houston Ballet’s upcoming 2022-2023 season. For the Company’s 2017-2018 season, McIntyre’s In Dreams, an abstract ballet danced to the popular tunes of Roy Orbison, made its Houston debut at the George R. Brown Convention Center while the Wortham was rebuilt in the
wake of Hurricane Harvey. In Dreams has become a favorite of Welch’s; the piece was included in the repertoire Houston Ballet brought to the 2018 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, a milestone performance for the Company in the wake of Harvey’s destruction. In 2008, McIntyre left Houston to turn his popular summer touring company, Trey McIntyre Project, into a year-round company based in Boise, Idaho. Trey McIntyre Project has garnered awards and media attention from outlets such as The New York Times, Dance Magazine, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. Trey McIntyre Project is recognized as a dance company, but its founder has ambitious visions for other artistic pursuits. McIntyre has also explored the worlds of photography, writing, and filmmaking; according to his website, “McIntyre has developed a cult following for his photography of the human body, written several published essays, and completed the feature-length documentary Gravity Hero, which premiered at the Dance on Camera Film Festival at Lincoln Center.” Welch explains how
McIntyre’s strong dance background might naturally lend itself to other creative endeavors: “Body language and dance are the same sort of thing. The cinematography can feel like choreography; in full length ballets, we direct the attention of the audience which is kind of like filmmaking. I think dance, photography, film, music, and acting all have a link and enhance each other.” After years building a successful creative career, McIntyre returns to his roots in Houston for the world premiere of Pretty Things. Originally intended for Houston Ballet’s 50th anniversary, Pretty Things explores peacocking behavior amongst its all-male cast set to the rockand-roll music of David Bowie. Having known McIntyre and watched his work for years, Welch believes Pretty Things will captivate its audiences through McIntyre’s signature originality and innovation. “When you watch dance, it should create something in you, whether that’s happiness, sadness, anger... there aren’t many people that have that ability,” Welch says. “Trey has a unique voice, and he’s successful because he’s himself.”
SPOTLIGHT
Allison & Troy Thacker A spotlight on the Pretty Things underwriters
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Troy and Allison Thacker. Photo by Wilson Parish
The Thackers’ love for Houston Ballet shines in their every engagement with the organization. As outstanding leaders, they inspire commitment and generosity in their peers. Allison and Troy are nothing short of champions for the art form and the organization. The Thackers are staples among guests at Houston Ballet’s biggest events, including the Ballet Ball and Onstage Dinner. In 2016, they were incredible leaders in supporting the creation of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and encouraging numerous others to contribute in bringing the landmark production to life. In addition to their incredible support of productions and special events, Allison serves on the Executive Committee of Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees. This season, the Thackers have underwritten Houston Ballet alum Trey McIntyre’s world premiere, Pretty Things. It seems only fitting that such close members of Houston Ballet’s family be the ones who help bring this monumental premiere to life.
FIRST POSITION ANATOMY OF A SCENE
Classic and Contemporary Jorma Elo and Holly Hynes effortlessly blend traditional with modern to create ONE|end|ONE’s timeless tutu By Kate Wood CREATIVE FREEDOM The top layer of this tutu is made from pliable yet sturdy black horsehair, adding a fluidity to the tutu while keeping the classic plate shape. It also features bold designs created with gold applique. “I adore creating tutus,” says Hynes in a 2011 article for Houston Ballet’s blog. “The top plate seems to be a canvas for an artist just waiting to be designed on.”
Demi Soloist Aoi Fujiwara and Chun Wai Chan. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
TRADITIONAL TULLE Like most tutus, this layered skirt is created using a gathered tulle netting for every layer except the top. This gives the tutu a classic plate shape that maintains its structure throughout the performance.
CELEBRATED FINNISH CHOREOGRAPHER Jorma Elo’s distinctive and challenging masterpiece ONE|end|ONE returns for this season’s performances of Pretty Things. Created on Houston Ballet in 2011, ONE|end|ONE has garnered notoriety not only for its technical difficulty, but also for its quirky blending of classical and modern movement. “Classical movement, even though I love it thoroughly, is for me sometimes missing musical elements – like retardation, flow, fluidity, fast exhilaration – that are often much easier to portray in more contemporary elements and curves,” Elo explained in the 2020 Forged in Houston program, revealing the choreographic motivations behind his work’s trademark
juxtaposition of traditional balletic steps with sharp, modern movement. Elo’s ONE|end|ONE is rounded out on stage with striking tutus designed by award-winning costume designer Holly Hynes. Hynes’ design process relies on fully understanding the themes and movements of the piece. “Houston Ballet flew me in to overlap with Jorma’s rehearsal period, but before that we met in Moscow to talk about ideas,” Hynes said in a 2011 article for Houston Ballet’s blog, En Pointe with Houston Ballet. “We talked about movement, color, aerobic needs, numbers of dancers, if atmosphere changes between movements…is there a story?” Hynes’ research pays off in spades. A modern twist on the traditional
SHOPPING LOCAL The materials for this tutu were carefully selected by Hynes from Houston-based fabric stores. “I prefer to find fabric sources in the same city as the ballet company because it’s faster to buy more if they need it now or in the future,” Hynes explains in the 2011 En Pointe article. “Houston has some amazing fabric stores!”
CONTRASTING CONCERTOS This versatile tutu doesn’t just complement Elo’s choreography. Dance Magazine noted the contrast between the ONE/ end/ONE’s music and Hynes’ sleek tutu in a 2011 article: “The snootiness of Mozart’s violin concerto was underscored by Holly Hynes’ traditional costumes: black tutus with gold brocade trim.”
ballet uniform, these tutus have a core structure much like any other tutu but feature Hynes’ creative nuances in their finishing touches. A welldesigned costume enhances an onstage performance, and these tutus expertly capture the dissonance between classical and contemporary seen in ONE|end|ONE’s choreography. Houston Ballet artists have worn costumes designed by Hynes for years; her creative talents and originality have earned recognition in the Bayou City. “Thank goodness I have designed many tutus for Stanton,” Hynes noted in the previously mentioned 2011 article. “Getting to work with Jorma in Houston feels like bringing home a friend to meet the family!” HOUSTON BALLET
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FIRST POSITION
BEHIND THE MUSIC After stepping down as Artistic Director from Rambert Dance Company in 2002, Christopher Bruce was given Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin’s album Hush as a parting gift. Bruce cites the music as direct inspiration for the ballet. EN POINTE
Notes on Hush Choreographer Christopher Bruce CBE sheds light on his 2006 creation Hush. This Q&A is reprinted from the 2020 Forged in Houston program. Questions by Adam Castañeda
HUSH (1992)
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WHAT MAKES A CIRCUS AN APPEALING BACKDROP FOR A DEEPLY HUMANISTIC BALLET SUCH AS HUSH? The circus has been such a wonderful inspiration to artists from every genre. It seems to grip our imagination from childhood and doesn’t let go. I think it goes back hundreds of years when the Commedia was such an important means of expression and comment on the whole of life, personally, socially, and politically. WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE FINISHED PIECE, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT? WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE EXPERIENCES? The dances are vignettes of personal family experiences. The themes and characters are universal, and I hope the audience will identify and feel familiar with some of the situations and incidents I have collaged into the work. However, I also hope they will just enjoy the dancing of these very fine Houston Ballet artists.
Choreographer Christopher Bruce CBE with Principal Karina González and Hayden Stark. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Winner of 19 Grammy awards, celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma (1955-) first met Bobby McFerrin (1950-) in 1988 at Leonard Bernstein’s 70th birthday party. While most popularly known for his song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” McFerrin is a talented American folk and jazz artist and 10-time Grammy winner praised for his impressive vocal techniques. The two lauded musicians first collaborated at McFerrin’s 40th birthday where Ma recalls in Hush’s liner notes, “...he conducted Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, and I improvised in public for the first time.” Two years after that came their collaborative album, Hush. The 13-track album, originally intended for children, showcases the incredible skills of both musicians – from McFerrin’s vocal improvisation to Ma’s technical proficiency. The album is a “musical celebration of life” and includes their take on classical pieces from Vivaldi, Rachmaninoff and Bach and original works.
HOW DO THE DESIGN ELEMENTS ENHANCE THE CHOREOGRAPHY OF HUSH? WHAT ADDITIONAL MEANINGS ARE ADDED? The nature of the design came about because of my decision to place the work in a Commedia dell’Arte setting, [an early form of Italian Theater]. This allowed me to create a travelling group of players who could represent a family group made up of archetypal characters and allows the audience a degree of freedom to interpret the themes present in the dance. I’ve drawn a parallel between family life and the communal nature of a group of itinerant players. Life becomes a performance. Marian [Bruce] has created costumes, which are clown-like but also express something of the character of the individual roles. The setting suggests a circus ring in the process of being set up or dismantled – a magical but ephemeral world.
FIRST POSITION UPLIFT
Add to Playlist
Chosen for their grand theatricality, Trey McIntyre’s Pretty Things is backed by David Bowie’s most popular tunes. Take this quiz to find out which Pretty Things tune should be your next song on repeat.
START Your current song on repeat makes you:
LITTLE WONDER HIT THE TOWN
The biggest hit on Bowie’s 1997 album Earthling. This track will get your heart racing with industrial electronic beats and drum loops while referencing all seven dwarves.
WIND DOWN
How often do you try new things?
ALL THE TIME
YOUNG AMERICANS
Have you ever seen the sun rise?
YES, WHEN I GET HOME
If you like something with a groove, you’ll be hitting repeat on “Young Americans.” From the 1975 album of the same name, this marked Bowie’s departure from glam rock into soul.
IF IT AIN’T BROKE...
YES, WHEN I WAKE UP
ON THE DANCE FLOOR
If an industry-shaping power ballad is what you crave, this quintessential Bowie glam rock song from ‘72 is for you. Ziggy Stardust – as the song suggests, an androgynous alien rock star – also served as Bowie’s stage persona from 1972-73.
Where are you at a party? GROOVE TO THE BEAT CHATTING WITH FRIENDS
When you listen to a new song, you:
ZIGGY STARDUST
READ THE LYRIC SHEET
OH! YOU PRETTY THINGS
Strum a sixstring or tickle the ivories?
GUITAR
PIANO
The inspiration for the ballet’s title, “Oh! You Pretty Things” will scratch your itch for jaunty piano playing and a robust and catchy chorus. From Bowie’s 1971 album Hunky Dory, this song is an ode to welcoming change from newer generations.
HOUSTON BALLET
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La Sylphide June 16-26 World Premiere
Sparrow
STANTON WELCH AM
houstonballet.org | 713.227.2787 (ARTS) 14
HOUSTON BALLET
CREDITS p. 16
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THE ARTISTS p. 19
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ORCHESTRA p. 21
PRETTY THINGS MAY 20-29, 2022
Principal Charles-Louis Yoshiyama with Artists of Houston Ballet. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
This performance lasts approximately two hours and twenty minutes. There will be two intermissions lasting twenty minutes each. For casting, scan the QR code.
HOUSTON BALLET
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CREDITS
ONE|end|ONE
Choreography by Jorma Elo Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) Violin Concerto No. 4 in D, K. 218 Costume Design by Holly Hynes Lighting Design by Christina R. Giannelli Denise Tarrant, Violin ONE|end|ONE was created with the support of a Rudolf Nureyev Prize for New Dance awarded by The Joyce Theater with major funding from the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation. World Premiere: May 26, 2011 at Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater in Houston, Texas by Houston Ballet.
WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO A violin concerto by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for solo violin, two oboes, two horns, and strings. Written in 1775, this is the fourth out of five violin concertos composed by Mozart in Salzburg, Austria. This concerto is in three movements: Allegro, Andante cantabile, and Rondeau: Andante Grazioso Allegro ma non troppo. 16
HOUSTON BALLET
Soloist Tyler Donatelli and Principal Charles-Louis Yoshiyama. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING A mix of contemporary and classical movement for eight dancers. According to Elo in 2020, he establishes “unique atmospheres in a short time with solos, pas de deux, trios, and groups; and to make an interesting start to each new couple or dancer entering.” Elo states his inspiration: “Along with the music, the piece was partly inspired by my parents, who were married for 65 years. I would observe them working in the garden together, and they were totally synchronized even though they were doing their own thing. Also, ONE/end/ ONE/end/ONE/end/ONE...it’s like the loop of life.”
CREDITS
Hush
Choreography by Christopher Bruce CBE Music by Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma Grace Vivaldi: Andante from Concerto in D minor for two Mandolins Rimsky-Korsakov: Flight of the Bumblebee Stars Hush Gounod/Bach: Ave Maria Hoedown! Costume and Scenic Design by Marian Bruce Lighting Design by Christina R. Giannelli
Soloist Bridget Kuhns and First Soloist Christopher Coomer. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
World Premiere: March 9, 2006 at Wortham Theater Center’s Brown Theater in Houston, Texas by Houston Ballet.
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING From the choreographer in 2006: “My inspiration for this work has come directly from the music, and for my program note I can hardly do better than quote Yo-Yo Ma’s words from the album liner notes: ‘Hush is a musical celebration of life – from youth to old age. While in so many ways this album speaks to children, it is equally true that perhaps its central goal, to use Bobby [McFerrin]’s phrase, is to release the child in the adult.’ After finishing my ballet, I realized that I have strayed little from these sentiments. However, by adding dance to the composition of McFerrin and Ma, I hope I have managed to develop universal themes in a highly personal way that members of the audience can identify with.”
WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO Selections from the 1992 collaborative album Hush between celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma and talented vocalist Bobby McFerrin, also known for his 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Originally for children, the 13-track album combines the two musicians’ gifts. HOUSTON BALLET
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CREDITS
Pretty Things Generously underwritten by Allison and Troy Thacker WORLD PREMIERE Choreography by Trey McIntyre Music by David Bowie (1947-2016) Ashes to Ashes Ziggy Stardust Little Wonder Changes Oh! You Pretty Things The Man Who Sold the World Life on Mars? Young Americans Costume and Scenic Design by Thomas Mika Lighting Design by Michael Mazzola
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING An all male cast of 11 take the stage for Pretty Things. This piece explores peacocking behavior among male dancers. McIntyre said of the piece in Houston Ballet News, “The puzzle in this particular piece is the conflict I have had to reconcile between being a spiritual person and the inherent and valuable attribute of narcissism in performers.”
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HOUSTON BALLET
Principal Charles-Louis Yoshiyama. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
WHAT YOU’RE LISTENING TO A selection of eight songs from David Bowie’s expansive body of work. The selections span from Bowie’s 1970 haunting hit “The Man Who Sold the World” up to his ‘97 industrial rock track “Little Wonder.” The English singersongwriter was a leading figure in the music industry from 1962-2016 releasing a whopping 26 studio albums and selling roughly 140 million records worldwide. While Pretty Things is not inspired by nor a comment on the life or career of Bowie, the songs are instead chosen for their grand theatricality.
THE ARTISTS
The Artists JORMA ELO Choreographer, ONE|end|ONE Finnish-born Jorma Elo is one of the dance world’s most sought-after choreographers. Mr. Elo has created more than 60 ballets for over 30 companies worldwide, including New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Vienna State Opera Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, Houston Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theatre. Mr. Elo was named Resident Choreographer of Boston Ballet in 2005. Mr. Elo trained with the Finnish National Ballet School and the Kirov Ballet School and enjoyed a long performing career with Finnish National Ballet, Cullberg Ballet and Nederlands Dans Theater. Mr. Elo was awarded the 2011 Benois de la Danse prize and the Helsinki International Ballet Competition’s choreographic prize in 2005. He is the 2006 recipient of the Prince Charitable Trust Prize and the Choo San Goh Choreographic Award. In 2015 Elo was awarded the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland, one of Finland’s highest honors. DENISE TARRANT Violinist, ONE|end|ONE Denise Tarrant studied at the University of Houston with Fredell Lack; Rice University with Sergiu Luca; Royal College of Music in London with Dona Lee Croft; and Trinity College of Music with Bela Katona. Ms. Tarrant began her professional career as the violinist in the Midland-Odessa (Texas) Symphony at the age of 16. She began her tenure with the Houston Ballet Orchestra in 1986 and was promoted to concertmaster in 1988. Ms. Tarrant has been featured as a violin soloist in several Houston Ballet productions including Stanton Welch’s Maninyas, Clear and the world premiere of Tapestry (Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5); world premiere of Jorma Elo’s ONE|end|ONE (Mozart Violin Concerto No. 4); Natalie Weir’s Steppenwolf; Mark Morris’ Pacific; world premiere Edwaard Liang’s Mumuration (Ezio Bosso, Violin Concerto No. 1).
She has enjoyed an extensive career with Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, becoming concertmaster under the baton of Maestro Patrick Summers in 1999. Ms. Tarrant has also performed in Europe and toured to Japan with the Houston Symphony. CHRISTOPHER BRUCE CBE Choreographer, Hush One of Britain’s leading choreographers, with an international reputation, Christopher Bruce trained at the Ballet Rambert School. He joined Ballet Rambert in 1963 where he was acclaimed as one of the most gifted performers of his generation, and remembered particularly for his performances in Glen Tetley’s Pierrot Lunaire and in Cruel Garden, a collaboration with Lindsay Kemp. He is recognized as the last major choreographer to have been nurtured by Marie Rambert. In addition to performing and choreographing, Christopher was Associate Director of Ballet Rambert from 1975-1979 and in 1980 became its Associate Choreographer. In 1994, he returned to the Company as Artistic Director until 2002. Among his bestknown works are Cruel Garden, Ghost Dances, Requiem, Intimate Pages, Sergeant Early’s Dream, The Dream is Over, Swansong, Rooster, Moonshine and Four Scenes all of which have been televised. Christopher has choreographed for many companies around the world and has enjoyed close associations with Australian Dance Theatre, Nederlands Dans Theater, Cullberg Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Gulbenkian Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, English National Ballet (where he was Associate Choreographer from 19861991) and Houston Ballet (where he was Resident Choreographer from 1989-1998 and Associate Choreographer from 1998-2021). He has choreographed for musicals, plays, operas television and videos. Over the last decades, Houston Ballet has emerged as Bruce’s artistic home in America. The Company has 12 works by Bruce in its repertoire. He has staged his Ghost Dances, Grinning in
Your Face, Intimate Pages, Swansong, Sergeant Early’s Dream, Cruel Garden, Rooster and Land for the Company and has created four original works: Guatama Buddha (1989), Journey (1990), Nature Dances (1992) and Hush (2006). In 1990, Houston Ballet traveled to Denmark to film Ghost Dances and Journey for Danish Television. His most recent works include Three Songs, Two Voices (2005), A Steel Garden (2005), Hush (2006), Shift (2007), Dance at the Crossroads (2007), Ten Poems (2009), Fur Alina (2011), Dream (2012), Shadows (2014), Morning and Moonlight (2015) and Mya (2016). His awards include Evening Standard Award, 1974 and 1997; Prix Italia (for Television Production of Cruel Garden), 1982; International Theatre Institute Award for Excellence in International Dance, 1993; De Valois Award for Outstanding Contribution to Dance at Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards, 2003; Rheinische Post Theater Oscar for ‘An Evening of Work by Christopher Bruce’ at Theater Krefeld-Mönchengladbach 2004; Best Choreography, Critics’ Circle Awards, 2009. Christopher Bruce was awarded a CBE in 1998; Honorary Doctor of Art from De Montfort University, 2000; Honorary Doctor of Letters from University of Exeter, 2001; Honorary Life Membership of Amnesty International, 2002 and Honorary Visiting Professor, Exeter University 2009. He was appointed Patron of the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in 2022. TREY MCINTYRE Choreographer, Pretty Things Trey McIntyre was created in 1969 as a collaboration between his mother and father. His interest both in art and getting the hell away from Kansas led him to train at North Carolina School of the Arts and the Houston Ballet Academy. In 1989, he was appointed Choreographic Apprentice to Houston Ballet, a position created especially for him, and in 1995 he became the Company’s Choreographic Associate. He has worked for more than 30 years as a freelance choreographer, producing more than 100 pieces during the span of
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THE ARTISTS
The Artists his career so far. He also did a bunch of other cool things, including working with a lot of amazing companies such as The Stuttgart Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Queensland Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, New York City Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, BalletX, The Washington Ballet, Ballet Memphis, and San Francisco Ballet. He has won numerous awards and honors such as the Choo San Goh Award for Choreography, a Lifetime Achievement Award from The National Society of Arts and Letters, two personal grants for choreography from The National Endowment for the Arts, and is a United States Artists Fellow. In 2019, he won the Isadora Duncan Award for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography for his work Your Flesh Shall be a Great Poem, which he created for San Francisco Ballet for their Unbound Festival. He was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2001, one of People Magazine’s “25 Hottest Bachelors” in 2003, and one of Out Magazine’s 2008 “Tastemakers.” The New York Times critic Alastair Macaulay said of Mclntyre, “...There’s a fertility of invention and a modernity of spirit here that are all Mr. Mclntyre’s own.” The Los Angeles Times wrote, “...There is indeed such a thing as genuine 21st century ballet, and it belongs more to this guy from Wichita than any of the over-hyped pretenders from England, France or Russia.” A confessed polymath, McIntyre has developed a cult following for his photography of the human body, written several published essays, and completed the feature-length documentary Gravity Hero, which premiered at the Dance on Camera Film Festival at Lincoln Center. His main focus recently has been adding more love into the world. He loves you and doesn’t even know you. DAVID BOWIE Singer/Songwriter, Pretty Things Rock and roll legend David Bowie is widely recognized as one of the most influential musicians of all time. The singer, songwriter, actor and fashion icon was born in South London in 1947. Bowie is known for his ever-changing persona
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and genre-bending discography. From his breakout single “Space Oddity” in 1969 to his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust, his musical styles covered pop, R&B, funk, dance, glam rock, progressive rock, hard rock, soul and more. His first American single in 1975 was “Fame”, co-written with fellow legends John Lennon and Carlos Alomar. In 1976, Bowie starred in his first feature film, The Man Who Fell To Earth, skyrocketing his star power even higher into an accomplished acting career with leading roles in films such as the cult classic Labyrinth (1986). He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Bowie died from cancer on January 10, 2016, shortly after the release of his final album, Blackstar. His influence on music, fashion and culture continues to be felt posthumously, with current artists like Lady Gaga, Madonna, U2 and more crediting Bowie for shaping their careers. THOMAS MIKA Costume and Scenic Designer, Pretty Things Thomas Mika is a set and costume designer for modern and classical ballet productions worldwide. He studied opera direction at Hamburger Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Germany. He has worked with modern choreographers Alejandro Cerrudo, Edward Clug, Marco Goecke, Katarzyna Kozielska, Jack Lister, Trey McIntyre, Juliano Nunes, Kevin O’Day and Jeroen Verbruggen. His classical repertoire designs include John Cranko’s Onegin and Romeo and Juliet, Derek Deane’s Lady of the Camellias, Alexey Fadeechev’s Don Quixote, Nina Ananishvili’s version of Don Quixote, Ben van Cauwenbergh’s Romeo and Juliet, Thomas Edur’s Swan Lake, and Eno Peci & Sabrina Sadowska’s version of Swan Lake. Thomas has collaborated worldwide with ballet companies including Ballet de Opéra National de Paris, Bolshoi Ballet Moscow, Vienna State Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet, State Ballet Berlin, San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, BalletX Philadelphia, Birmingham Royal Ballet, National Ballet of China, Hong Kong
Ballet, Universal Ballet Seoul, Queensland Ballet Brisbane, Hungarian National Ballet, Polish National Ballet, Estonian National Ballet, Slovenian National Ballet, Croatian National Ballet, Hessisches Staatsballett Wiesbaden, Ballett Mannheim, Aalto Ballett Theater, the Royal Ballet of Flanders and San Francisco Ballet. As a director he has directed and designed The Count of Luxemburg by Franz Lehár for the Estonian National Opera and will direct and design Tchaikovsky’s opera Iolanta and the ballet Nutcracker for Salzburg. His work has been presented in France, Germany, Belgium, England, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Croatia, China, South Korea, Australia and the United States. MICHAEL MAZZOLA Lighting Designer, Pretty Things Michael Mazzola’s critically acclaimed lighting and scenery has been seen in venues all over the U.S. and Europe, ranging from opera houses to circus tents to outdoor amphitheaters. The threetime New York Dance and Performance Award winner has designed lighting and scenery for Oregon Ballet Theatre; Pacific Northwest Ballet; San Francisco Ballet, Whim W’Him of Seattle, Queensland Ballet; National Ballet of Finland; Stuttgart Ballet; Grand Rapids Ballet; Ballet West; Ballet Nacional de Cuba; Trey McIntyre Project; The Washington Ballet; Houston Ballet; Rachel Tess Dance at the Wanas Foundation in Sweden, Baryshnikov Arts Center, NYC and LMCC’s River to River Festival, Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Bebe Miller Company, and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange. He is the lighting director for Oregon Ballet Theatre. Michael has received awards on the west coast for his lighting of musical theater and drama. At the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, he designed lighting and video for the 2015 Presidential Scholars Awards. He has also designed scenery for two Comedy Central Celebrity Roasts, and the 2015 Lincoln Awards at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall for Uplight, Inc, based in NYC.
ORCHESTRA
Houston Ballet Orchestra Conducted by Ermanno Florio
FIRST VIOLIN Rachel Shepard, Concertmaster Linda Sanders*, Assistant Concertmaster Sylvia Ver Meulen* Mary Reed* Oleg Sulyga* Chloe Yeseul Kim Hae-a Lee Kana Kimura Mila Neal SECOND VIOLIN Natalie Gaynor, Principal Trung Trinh*, Assistant Principal Elizabeth Frederick* Karen Hall Wilkson* Barbara Shreffler* Miriam Belyatsky Feld* Erica Robinson* Melissa Williams
VIOLA Rene Salazar*, Principal Lorento Golofeev*, Assistant Principal Dawson White Elizabeth Golofeev Erika Lawson Gayle Garcia-Shepard CELLO Barrett Sills*, Principal Erika Johnson, Assistant Principal Max Dyer* Dave Zeger* Steven Wiggs* Steven Estes*
BASS Curry Duffey*, Principal David Connor, Assistant Principal Greg Garcia* Carla Clark* OBOE Mayu Isom, Principal Katherine Hart Grace Tice HORN James Wilson*, Principal Jamie Leff SOLO VIOLINIST Denise Tarrant* *Houston Ballet Orchestra members who have more than 10 years of service
Acknowledgements Pretty Things, One/end/One, and Hush costumes built by Houston Ballet Costume Shop Costume design for Pretty Things includes prints from the following artists: Gösta Adrian-Nilsson, Frederic Bazille, Bernard Buffet, Donald Friend, Henri Matisse, Alice Neel, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Jean-Baptiste Santerre, Egon Schiele and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Mr. McFerrin’s music for Hush used by arrangement with Original Artists Music. General Counsel: Vinson & Elkins, LLP Immigration Attorneys: Foster, LLP The dancers appearing in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists AFL-CIO Houston Ballet Orchestra members are represented by Houston Professional Musicians Association, Local 65-699, A.F. of M. Stage Crew personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., Local 51. Wardrobe personnel are placed by I.A.T.S.E., T.W.U. Local 896. Houston Ballet is a member of Dance/USA Touring Representation: IMG Artists
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Artistic Staff Profiles STANTON WELCH AM The Harris Masterson III Artistic Director In July 2003, Australian Stanton Welch AM assumed leadership of Houston Ballet, America’s fifth-largest classical ballet company. Since he took the helm of the Company, Mr. Welch has revitalized Houston Ballet, bringing in new dancers, commissioning new works, and attracting a top-flight artistic staff. Mr. Welch has created works for such prestigious international companies as Houston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Australian Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet. Mr. Welch was born in Melbourne to Marilyn Jones OBE and Garth Welch AM, two of Australia’s most gifted dancers of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1989, he was engaged as a dancer with The Australian Ballet, where he rose to the rank of leading soloist, performing various principal roles. He has also worked with internationally acclaimed choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Nacho Duato, and Maurice Bejart. In 1995, Mr. Welch was named resident choreographer of The Australian Ballet. For his contributions to the world of dance, he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2015. For Houston Ballet, he has choreographed more than 20 works, including a new full-length narrative ballet Marie (2009), inspired by the life of the legendary Marie Antoinette, and spectacular stagings of Swan Lake (2006), La Bayadère (2010), Romeo and Juliet (2015), Giselle (2016), The Nutcracker (2016), and Sylvia (2019).
ERMANNO FLORIO Music Director Ermanno Florio has impressed both audiences and critics in the major centers of Europe, North America, and Asia. The extremely versatile Mr. Florio has well distinguished himself in genres of symphonic, operatic, and balletic repertoire. Mr. Florio maintains an active conducting schedule that has included extensive engagements with the world’s major ballet companies. In 1985, Mr. Florio was appointed Principal Conductor and Music Administrator of The National Ballet of Canada by Erik Bruhn and since 1992 has held the position of Music Director of Houston Ballet. From 1998 to 2001, Mr. Florio held the position of Music Director of American Ballet Theatre. In March 2004, Mr. Florio was appointed Music Director of Het Nationale Ballet in Amsterdam and currently continues his relationship with the company as Principal Guest Conductor. Mr. Florio’s extensive discography includes DVD releases of critically acclaimed performances of The Sleeping Beauty, La Sylphide, Onegin, Cinderella, The Merry Widow, Alice, The Nutcracker, La Ronde, and Le Corsaire with ABT, which won an Emmy for Outstanding Classical Program in the Performing Arts. Mr. Florio’s DVD recording of Don Quichotte with L’Orchestre de L’Opera National de Paris also won the Cannes Classical Music
Award for Best DVD in the category of Concert and Ballet Recordings. Mr. Florio’s music arrangements include scores for Patrice Bart’s Tchaikovsky, Das Flammende Hertz, and Gustaf III; Stanton Welch’s Marie and La Bayadère; and Asami Maki’s La Dame aux Camelias.
Upon his retirement after a 22-year professional career onstage, he joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet as ballet master in 2020.
AMY FOTE Ballet Master BARBARA BEARS Ballet Master Barbara Bears, winner of the silver medal at the 1991 International Ballet Competition, was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and received her early dance training from Victoria Leigh and James Franklin. Ms. Bears joined Houston Ballet as a corps member in 1988 and that same season was selected by Sir Kenneth MacMillan to dance the lead in his ballet Gloria. Ms. Bears was promoted to Principal Dancer in 1995 and after 20 years with Houston Ballet retired in 2009. Ms. Bears’s repertoire included leading roles in Swan Lake, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, La Sylphide, Romeo and Juliet, The Merry Widow, Manon, Onegin, and Madame Butterfly. Houston Ballet’s diverse repertoire has afforded Ms. Bears the opportunity to perform works by Glen Tetley, George Balanchine, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Christopher Bruce, Jiří Kylián, Anthony Tudor, Nacho Duato, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, William Forsythe, and Mark Morris. Ms. Bears had the honor of dancing under the directorship of both Ben Stevenson OBE and Stanton Welch AM. With choreographers at the helm, Ms. Bears created roles in over 30 different ballets. In 2001, Ms. Bears was honored to be featured on the cover of both Dance Magazine and Pointe Magazine. In 2016, Ms. Bears joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet as ballet master.
IAN CASADY Ballet Master Ian Casady was born in Fairfax, California, and received his dance training there from David Roxander, Jody White, and Georgia Ortega. In 1998, Mr. Casady studied at Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy before joining the Company as a member of the Corps de Ballet. He was promoted to Soloist in 2002, to First Soloist in 2006, and to Principal in 2007. Over the course of his career, Mr. Casady has danced a wide range of roles in works by some of the most celebrated choreographers, both past and present. Mr. Casady has been fortunate enough to have danced on some of the most historic and famous stages around the world including Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center in New York, the Bolshoi in Moscow, the Champs Elysee in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, Sadler’s Wells in London, and theaters in Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, and Canada. Mr. Casady was a finalist at the 2002 International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.
Amy Fote began dancing at the age of four in her hometown of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, under the direction of Jean Wolfmeyer. She continued her studies on scholarship at the National Academy of Arts, Interlochen Arts Academy, and at the Harid Conservatory, where she graduated with honors. Ms. Fote then accepted a position with the Milwaukee Ballet and rose through the ranks to become a principal dancer. During her 14 years with the Company, she regularly performed at the Chautauqua Institution in New York and was subsequently invited to dance the title role in Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 2005, she joined Houston Ballet, where she danced for eight seasons. In 2003, she was featured in a PBS documentary entitled Dancing Anna Karenina, focusing on her portrayal of one of the great heroines of Russian literature. She was also featured on PBS, performing Alonzo King’s Map, in a moving 9/11 performance. Following retirement, Ms. Fote accepted the position of Ballet Master with Ballet San Antonio. Upon returning to Houston, she began teaching for Houston Ballet II and Houston Ballet before joining the artistic staff in 2018.
STEVEN WOODGATE Ballet Master Australian Steven Woodgate graduated from The Australian Ballet School in 1985. He performed with The Australian Ballet, progressing through the ranks to senior artist in 1996. In 2000, he was awarded The Churchill Fellowship, which enabled him to observe many ballet masters from around the world and study their various teaching methods. Mr. Woodgate joined the artistic staff of Houston Ballet in January 2004. Mr. Woodgate has taught both student and professional classes around the world. Mr. Woodgate reproduced Stanton Welch’s Madame Butterfly for the Singapore Dance Theater, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West Utah, and The Australian Ballet. In 2009, Mr. Woodgate staged Clear for Angel Corella’s company in Spain and in 2011 re-staged Ronald Hynd’s The Merry Widow for Texas Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet, National Ballet of Canada, Teatro Colon Argentina and Houston Ballet. Woodgate also represented Australia in the Moscow Ballet Competition in 1989. Woodgate danced principal roles in Ashton’s La Fille Mal Gardee, Van Praggh’s Coppélia, Bejart’s Le Concours and Gaite Parisienne, works by Tudor and Balanchine, Welch, and many other choreographers.
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Company Profiles Principals
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HOUSTON BALLET
Skylar Campbell
Soo Youn Cho
Jessica Collado*
Karina González
Birthplace Laguna Beach, California
Birthplace Incheon, South Korea
Birthplace Coral Springs, Florida
Birthplace Caracas, Venezuela
Dance Training Victor and Tatiana Kasatsky Classical Ballet Academy. Mentored and coached by David Allan
Dance Training Hye Young Kim Ballet School, Sun Hwa Arts School, Canada National Ballet School, John Cranko Schule Ballet School
Dance Training Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy, Ballet Nova of South Florida
Dance Training Gustavo Franklin Ballet School, Caracas, Venezuela
Joined the Company as Principal 2022
Joined the Company 2012
Joined the Company 2004
Joined the Company 2010
Promoted to Principal 2018
Promoted to Principal 2017
Promoted to Principal 2013
Yuriko Kajiya
Melody Mennite*
Connor Walsh*
Charles-Louis Yoshiyama*
The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Principal Dancer
The Melza M. Barr Principal Dancer
The Fondren Foundation Principal Dancer
The Anita B. Stude Principal Dancer
Birthplace Aichi, Japan
Birthplace Santa Cruz, California
Birthplace Fairfax, Virginia
Birthplace Shizuoka, Japan
Dance Training Shanghai Dance School, National Ballet School of Canada
Dance Training Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet Academy
Dance Training Kirov Academy of Ballet, Harid Conservatory, Houston Ballet Academy
Dance Training Hiraki Ballet School, English National Ballet School, Houston Ballet Academy
Joined the Company 2014
Joined the Company 2001
Joined the Company 2004
Joined the Company 2008
Promoted to Principal 2014
Promoted to Principal 2008
Promoted to Principal 2007
Promoted to Principal 2016
The Robert F. Parker Principal Dancer
The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Principal Dancer
The Houston Ballet Guild Principal Dancer
* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy
COMPANY PROFILES
First Soloists
Christopher Coomer*
Mónica Gómez
Oliver Halkowich
Allison Miller*
Harper Watters*
Birthplace Birkenhead, England
Birthplace Havana, Cuba
Birthplace Florida Keys, Florida
Birthplace St. Petersburg, Florida
Birthplace Dover, New Hampshire
Dance Training Houston Ballet Academy, Wallasey School of Ballet
Dance Training National Ballet School of Cuba
Dance Training Miami City Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School
Dance Training Diane Partington Studio of Classical Ballet, North Carolina School of the Arts
Dance Training Houston Ballet Academy, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Portsmouth School of Ballet
Joined the Company 2004
Joined the Company 2015
Joined the Company 2002
Joined the Company 2006
Joined the Company 2011
Promoted to First Soloist 2018
Promoted to First Soloist 2019
Promoted to First Soloist 2018
Promoted to First Soloist 2018
Promoted to First Soloist 2021
The Houston Ballet Guild First Soloist
Soloists
Tyler Donatelli*
Christopher Gray
Ryo Kato
Bridget Kuhns*
Birthplace Huntington Beach, California
Birthplace Vancouver, BC, Canada
Birthplace Saitama, Japan
Birthplace Columbus, Ohio
Jacquelyn Long*
Mackenzie Richter*
Aaron Daniel Sharratt*
Alyssa Springer*
Birthplace Cleveland, Ohio
Birthplace Warner Robins, Georgia
Birthplace Tuscon, Arizona
Birthplace Orange County, California
* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy
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COMPANY PROFILES
Demi Soloists
Chandler Dalton*
Aoi Fujiwara*
Yumiko Fukuda
Estheysis Menendez
Naazir Muhammad*
Birthplace Richmond, Virginia
Birthplace Osaka, Japan
Birthplace Saitama, Japan
Birthplace Havana, Cuba
Birthplace Brooklyn, New York
Luzemberg Santana
Elivelton Tomazi
Natalie Varnum*
Andrew Vecseri*
Chae Eun Yang
Birthplace João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
Birthplace Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Birthplace Ashford, Alabama
Birthplace Houston, Texas
Birthplace Seoul, Republic of Korea
Corps de Ballet
Simone Acri
Henrique Barbosa*
Gretel Batista
Magnoly Batista*
Neal Burks*
Birthplace Saitama, Japan
Birthplace Maracanaú, CE, Brazil
Birthplace Havana, Cuba
Birthplace Santiago, Dominican Republic
Birthplace Jacksonville, Florida
Jaci Doty*
Caleb Durbin*
Danielle Esposito
Syvert Lorenz Garcia*
Rafaela Henrique*
Kellen Hornbuckle*
Birthplace Shenandoah, Iowa
Birthplace Newcastle, Australia
Birthplace San Diego, California
Birthplace Oslo, Norway
Birthplace Jundiai, SP, Brazil
Birthplace Ann Arbor, Michigan
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HOUSTON BALLET
* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy
COMPANY PROFILES
Kirsten Hunsberger*
Danbi Kim*
Fernando Martin-Gullans
Riley McMurray*
Caroline Perry*
Birthplace Las Vegas, Nevada
Birthplace Suwon, Republic of Korea
Birthplace Atlanta, Georgia
Birthplace Chicago, Illinois
Birthplace Orange County, California
McKhayla Pettingill*
Samuel Rodriguez
Madison Russo*
Song Teng*
Matthew West*
Jack Wolff*
Birthplace Phoenix, Arizona
Birthplace Atlanta, Georgia
Birthplace West Palm Beach, Florida
Birthplace Hunan, China
Birthplace Ibaraki, Japan
Birthplace Pearland, Texas
Apprentices
Jindallae Bernard*
Emma Forrester*
Eli Gruska
Jordan Lovelace
Birthplace New Orleans, Louisiana
Birthplace Houston, Texas
Birthplace Los Angeles, California
Birthplace Dallas, Texas
Zoe Lucich
Jackson Miles*
Yu Wakizuka
Birthplace Marin County, California
Birthplace Denver, Colorado
Birthplace Osaka, Japan
* denotes dancers who have trained in the Houston Ballet Academy
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Houston Ballet Staff ARTISTIC †Stanton Welch AM* Artistic Director Barbara Bears* Ballet Master Ian Casady* Ballet Master Amy Fote* Ballet Master Steven Woodgate* Ballet Master Katerina De Lawyer Artistic Coordinator Sarah Miller Artistic Administrative Coordinator ADMINISTRATION †James Nelson* Executive Director †Kelli Gilson General Manager Aileen Roberts Company Manager Laurel Rowe Executive Assistant and Board Liason FINANCE †Kristi Roberts Chief Financial Officer †Rachel Koenig Director of Human Resources Thelma Hearren Controller Denise Guevara Senior Accountant Fallan Lawrence Senior Accountant Kenneth Knight II Payroll Coordinator Diamantina Peña* Accounts Payable Coordinator Cheryl Zane* Special Advisor Yeriel Zaragoza Human Resources Coordinator Garth Luther Associate Director, Facilities Alma Amaya, Patricia Barnes, Allison Johnson Receptionists TECHNOLOGY †MJ Bavaret* Director of IT Kelly Holcomb Cloud Services Manager Alejandro Rivas Network Administrator Joshua Jemio Help Desk II Silver Ehiwario Project Associate Gilbert Chapa Help Desk I NUTCRACKER MARKET †Patsy Chapman* CEO Jennifer Estrada Nutcracker Market Manager Abimbola Agbabiaka Nutcracker Market Communications Coordinator
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Susan Lehmann Nutcracker Market Associate Sofia Del Villar Nutcracker Market Associate DEVELOPMENT †Angie Lane Chief Development Officer Haley Calvert Development Coordinator Stephanie Faulk Assistant Director, Individual Giving Jasmine Fuller Cane Assistant Director, Publications Devon Furl Assistant Director, Special Events Joey Gaona Assistant Director, Institutional Giving Lucy Graham Donor Relations Manager Ana Gonzalez* Data Processing Manager Colleen Hargraves Individual Giving Coordinator Darry Hearon Assistant Director, Major and Planned Gifts Lindsey Hurst* Director of Institutional Giving Nao Kusuzaki Development Staff Associate Madeline Patton Institutional Giving Coordinator Megan Raines Director of Individual Giving Kate Wood Development Communications Coordinator Alexandra Yates Senior Director, Special Events Baylee Zeringue Special Events Associate Coordinator MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS †Angela Lee* Director of Marketing and Public Relations Tory Lieberman Associate Director of Marketing Jared Murphy Graphic Designer Lynn Chung* Marketing Coordinator Emily Averitt-Cleveland Education Marketing & PR Coordinator Leslie Goodrum Retail Merchandise & Display Coordinator Anne Wheeler Archivist Project Manager David Rivera Associate Director of Audio & Video Services Nicole Bacon Foreman Audio Visual Assistant
Lauren Gayden* Associate Director of Ticketing Services Christina Martinez, Carlyn Scott* Box Office Managers Brittany Restrepo Ticketing Services Manager Rachel Walrath Ticketing Services Coordinator Mike Miles Audience Services Coordinator Nicole Levy Box Office Shift Lead Verity Butler, Austin Cushman, Arianna Day, Tabytha Donnelly, Megan Goodlett, Soledad Lara, Stephan Little, Maxwell Paulus, Diamond Rector, Cynthia Saldana, Aaron Thomas, Mary Wemple Wortham Theater Center Box Office Customer Service Representatives PRODUCTION †Michelle de los Reyes* Head of Production †Sandra Fox Head of Costumes †Lisa J. Pinkham Resident Lighting Designer Grey Starbird Technical Director Jonathan Moore Stage Manager Eli Walker Assistant Stage Manager Ashley Christian Production Operations Manager Barry Thomas* Master Electrician Dustin Dowell Property Master Paul Gibson Assistant Electrician/ Light Board Operator Jason Mathis Assistant Electrician Andrew Harper Sound Consultant Gregory Stewart Head Carpenter Lafayette Andrews Assistant Carpenter Zachary Paugh Costume Shop Manager Crystal Breihan Company Wardrobe Coordinator Alexa Carlson Academy Wardrobe Coordinator Drieux Dismukes, Dana Pike, Freddy Reymundo Wardrobe Supervisors Susie DeBlieck, Gloria Pazi, Wendy Stallworth Wig Technicians Kendall Sarro Wardrobe Administrative Assistant
MUSIC †Ermanno Florio* Music Director Richard Reeves* Orchestra Manager/Music Administrator Theresa Hanebury* Music Librarian/Pianists’ Manager & Technical Director Katherine Burkwall-Ciscon* Principal Pianist/Music Coordinator William Patterson Academy Pianist Manager Tyrone Boyle, Jennifer Edmondson, Grecia Lavenderos,* Benjamin Kaplan, April Zhi Li-Thompson, William Patterson, William Marsden* Pianists Krume Andreeveski, Benjamin Chavez, Marshall Davies, Krystel Grauvogl, Tomoe Hayashi,* Ning-Chih Hsu, Nara Jeffus, Elizabeth Mendez, Alex Navarro, Pelayo Parlade, Adeline Saylor, Michele Vesceri Part-Time Pianists James Edwards, Terrence Karn, William Suddreath Academy Part-Time Percussionists ACADEMY †Jennifer Sommers* Academy Director Claudio Muñoz* HBII Ballet Master Cheryne Busch* Upper School Principal Beth Everitt Lower School Principal & Children’s Ballet Master †Melissa Bowman Director of Curriculum Orlando Molina Academy Instructor & Boys Program Coordinator Susan Bryant*, Elizabeth McMillan, Kelly Myernick Kubin* Academy Instructors Katie Wesche Academy Administrative Manager Yahudi Castañeda Academy Artistic Operations Manager Carla Cortez Academy Registrar Dustin Shaw Academy Programs Manager Megan Doerksen Manager, Student Life Shelby Connolly Academy Artistic Operations Coordinator Tempest McLendon Academy Administrative Coordinator Akihiro Kawasaki Head Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach Lauren Anderson* Associate Director, Education and Community Engagement
Alexandra Garza Coordinator, Education & Community Engagement Jamie L. Cegelski Associate, Education & Community Engagement Yasmine De La Rosa Intern, Education & Community Engagement Brittany Bass, Gabrielle Becerra, Jacquelyne Boe, Melanie Boettcher, Durell Comedy, Dwayne Cook, Victoria De Bethencourt, Marshall Davies, Benjamin Delony, Dawn Dippel, Rupert Edwards, Carla Flores Keniston, LaRodney Freeman, Yamilka Galindo, Anna Gould, Valerie Handy, Spencer Hering, Gabrielle Johnson, Patricia King, Paige Kutschall, Gabrielle Luna, Ellen Mallon, Evoni McClain, Lindsey McGill, Mallory Mehaffey, Vance Monet, Robbie Moore, Kristina Mosbo, Paola Murga Parada, Lucinda Rohrer, Dawn Scannell, Minely Soto, Kathleen Tidwell, Brittany Wallis Part-Time Academy Instructors & Teaching Artists Arin Alston, Kaitlynn Berrones, Lara Hannaford, Jamela Johns, Brittany Kirschner, Chloe Normand, Minely Soto, Katherine Wicks, Vance Monet, Anna Gould, Evoni McClain Part-Time Academy Class Monitors Pam Blangy, Jacquelyne Boe, Brittany Deveau, Danielle Farzanegan, Michelle Gregovic, Gabrielle Johnson, Nadia Khan, Patricia King, Ellen Blanchat Mallon, Dontre Nguyen, Katrina Olson, Lisa Petrozzi, Michelle Phillips, Hilary Schaff, Chelsea Smith, Jennifer Trimmer Wellness Team Kelsey Fyffe Academy Counselor Judy Spong Academy ESL Teacher Emily Hahn Academy Nutritionist Maria McCain Resident Dorm Supervisor Vance Monet Part-Time Dorm Chaperone Amy Pearl Resident Advisor Andrew Faulk, Nathanial Nakadate*, Peter Nguyen Academic Advisors HOUSTON METHODIST STAFF Carina M. Nasrallah, MS, LAT, ATC, CISSN Head Athletic Trainer Leanne Wonesh Academy Athletic Trainer
*Houston Ballet staff who have more than 10 years of service †Senior leadership
Corporate Spotlight Special thanks to our generous corporate sponsor for making Houston Ballet’s 2022 performances of Pretty Things possible.
Together on the global stage, Chevron and its community partners move in perfect rhythm – working side-by-side, almost as if choreographed. Our company enables human progress by developing the energy that improves lives and powers the world forward. Houston Ballet renews and advances the human spirit through exhilarating performance and superb programming. Chevron is proud to provide the energy needed to achieve great artistry – and we are incredibly pleased to stand together in first-position with Houston Ballet.
LIZ SCHWARZE VP of Global Exploration and Houston Ballet Board of Trustees Member
SPARK INSPIRATION Spark inspiration from studio to stage. Give today! GIVE.HOUSTONBALLET.ORG/DONATE
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2021-2022 Board of Trustees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS Ms. S. Shawn Stephens*, Chairman Mrs. Leigh M. Smith, President Mrs. Margaret Alkek Williams, Secretary Mrs. Elizabeth R. Zdeblick, Vice President – Academy Mr. Jesse H. Jones II*, Vice President – Development Mrs. Elizabeth Leykum, Vice President – Education & Community Engagement Mrs. Amy Pincu, Vice President – Finance Mr. Daniel M. McClure, Vice President – Investment Mr. Jerry Martin, Vice President – Marketing
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE Mrs. F. T. Barr– Ms. Gillian Hobson – Mrs. Russell C. Joseph Ms. Jennifer Kushner – Chad Libertus – Ms. Leticia Loya – Mrs. Kelley S. Lubanko Mr. James J. Parr – Mrs. Carroll Robertson Ray– Mrs. Allison Thacker* – Stephanie Tsuru Mrs. Christine M. Underwood – Ms. Hallie Vanderhider – Mr. Marcus A. Watts – Mrs. Lynn Wyatt
TRUSTEES Mr. W. Cameron Alguire Dr. Julia D. Andrieni Mrs. Diane Bazelides Ms. Ann C. Bean Mr. Gary V. Beauchamp Mrs. Gina Bhatia Mrs. Susan Binney Mrs. Leslie Blanton Mr. Tony Bradfield Mrs. Kristy J. Bradshaw Ms. Lindsey Brown Mrs. Lenni Burke Mrs. Anne S. Chao Mr. James Cowan Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Mrs. Lilly Cullen Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Ms. Sasha Davis Mr. Bastiaan de Zeeuw Mrs. Pamela D. Earthman Sharon F. Erskine Mrs. Martha Finger Mrs. Allison L. Flikerski Richard W. Flowers Hon. Charles C. Foster Mrs. Kate Fowler Mrs. Jo Furr 30
HOUSTON BALLET
Mr. Mitchell George Mrs. Mignon Gill Sandra S. Godfrey Mrs. Donald M. Graubart Mr. Jeremy Griggs Mr. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr. Mr. Herschel Hamner Dr. Joshua D. Harris Mrs. Nancy Ferguson Haywood Mrs. Winell Herron Mr. Michael Heckman Ms. Michelle Iversen Jeffery Mr. James M. Jordan* Natasha Khan Dr. Dale G. Konicek Elizabeth Mata Kroger Ms. Melanie Lawson Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee Mr. Mark Loveland Mr. Joseph A. Matula Mrs. Jean E. May Mrs. J. Luke McConn III Mrs. Kris McGee Richard K. McGee* Mrs. Martha Rocks McMurrey Mr. Shane A. Miller Mrs. Michael Mithoff
Marsha L. Montemayor Ms. Nancy Powell Moore Ms. Beth Muecke Dr. Duyen Huynh Nguyen Tammy Tran Nguyen Mrs. Cabrina Owsley Mr. Robert F. Parker* Mrs. Elisa S. Pye Mr. Ron Rand Macey Reasoner Laura M. Robertson Mrs. Akemi Saitoh Ms. Samira A. Salman Mrs. Louisa Stude Sarofim* (L) Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze Mrs. James Shaffer Dannika E. Simpson Mrs. Alicia Smith Mrs. Heidi Smith Dr. Liliana Soltero Mr. Karl S. Stern* Mr. Nicholas L. Swyka* Becca Cason Thrash Mrs. Ileana Treviño Mrs. Phoebe Tudor* Mrs. Kelli Weinzierl Mrs. Rini Ziegler (L) Life Trustee * Former Board President
Étoile
Étoile honors the visionary leaders who make extraordinary annual commitments of $100,000 or more to Houston Ballet. Étoile, translated from French, means “star” and is most frequently used in the ballet world to designate the highest ranking of principal dancers within a company – a fitting tribute to those whose generosity substantially underwrites Houston Ballet’s world-class performances, renowned dance training, and extensive community programs.
MELZA AND TED BARR Melza and Ted Barr, longtime Houston Ballet subscribers, are champions of Stanton Welch’s ambitious vision to bring Houston Ballet to the forefront of dance here in the U.S. and internationally. They were instrumental in making possible the 2015 world premiere of Romeo and Juliet and its milestone tour to Melbourne, Australia. Melza and Ted were also supporters of the campaign to build the Company’s Center for Dance and integral contributors to Houston Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund. Additionally, the Barrs endowed a Principal Dancer position in Melza’s name, currently held by Melody Mennite.
THE BROWN FOUNDATION, INC. For nearly four decades, The Brown Foundation has been one of Houston Ballet’s most generous philanthropic supporters. Established in 1951 and based in Houston, the Foundation distributes funds principally for education, community service, and the visual and performing arts. The Foundation was instrumental in contributing to Houston Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19. The Foundation’s tremendous commitment to Houston Ballet’s endowment, general operating fund, and the Center for Dance has paved the way for Houston Ballet to grow into the world-renowned company it is today.
GARY V. BEAUCHAMP AND MARIAN WILFERT BEAUCHAMP As longtime members of the Ballet family, Marian and Gary’s extraordinary generosity has touched nearly every aspect of the Company, from production underwriting to support for the Ballet’s world-class dance facility. For the past two seasons, Marian and Gary have made important gifts toward one of Houston Ballet’s key education and community engagement initiatives – Student Matinees – which bring the joy of dance to thousands of schoolchildren each year, many of whom would not otherwise have such opportunity to experience performing arts.
MYRA BROWN Myra Brown is a longtime friend to Houston Ballet since moving to Houston from New Jersey over 20 years ago. Together with her late husband, Ira, Myra has been a devoted supporter and advocate for the arts in Houston and, in particular, aspiring young artists involved in the performing arts. She was instrumental in supporting a collaborative production featuring both Houston Ballet and University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. She established an endowed scholarship in the Houston Ballet Academy, which creates an enduring legacy to help develop the next generation of ballet dancers for Houston and the world of dance.
ALBERT AND ANNE CHAO Albert and Anne Chao are inspiring community leaders and philanthropists who have supported the Ballet for more than a decade. The Chaos chaired the 2017 Houston Ballet Ball and provided critical support to the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund in 2020. Through the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation, the Chaos provided instrumental and early support of Houston Ballet’s new production of The Nutcracker. Albert and Anne also serve in a number of leadership roles in other arts and cultural organizations throughout Houston.
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THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
CONOCOPHILLIPS ConocoPhillips has been a proud sponsor of Houston Ballet for more than three decades. As one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips is proud to support Houston’s thriving cultural arts community. ConocoPhillips’s investment in Houston Ballet’s mission and goals can be recognized in their support of the construction of Houston Ballet’s Center for Dance and productions including Cinderella, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Giselle, and Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. They were honored at the 2019 Houston Ballet Ball. Laura Robertson, Deputy General Counsel, serves on Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees.
THE CULLEN FOUNDATION One of the city’s oldest and most significant charitable institutions, The Cullen Foundation has supported Houston Ballet for nearly 50 years and is one of its most important benefactors. Established in 1947, the Foundation has more than 70 years of giving history generously supporting cultural arts, education, health care, and public service in the greater Houston area, granting nearly $500 million to Houston institutions. Notably, the Foundation was a lead supporter of Houston Ballet’s Center for Dance, Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, and the Ballet’s crisis relief efforts in recent years.
THE CULLEN TRUST FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts has been a generous underwriter of Houston Ballet’s presentation of new and premiere ballets for more than three decades. The Trust was established from assets of The Cullen Foundation to support Texas performing arts institutions, focusing on those within the greater Houston area. In addition to supporting new works, The Trust has been a generous sponsor of Houston Ballet’s endowment, the construction of the Center for Dance, and The Nutcracker. Additionally, The Trust has generously supported the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund and the Share the Joy campaign, providing both vital challenge grants.
THE JERRY C. DEARING FAMILY FOUNDATION The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation passionately supports Houston-based nonprofits that provide health, education, and sustainability services for the at-risk men, women, and children of Houston and Harris County. As a family-run private foundation that distributes funds for public charitable purposes, the Foundation principally provides encouragement and assistance to Houston-based nonprofits. The Foundation’s Executive Director Kate Dearing Fowler is an integral member of Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees, and the Foundation supports Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programming, which reaches more than 74,000 participants annually. The Foundation was honored at the Raising the Barre event on April 24, 2022.
THE EVENTS COMPANY Houston Ballet is proud to count The Events Company among its top supporters. For many years, The Events Company has provided incredibly generous support to Houston Ballet’s special events and, especially, the Houston Ballet Ball. Their support has been instrumental in the success of numerous events. Richard Flowers of The Events Company joined Houston Ballet’s Board of Trustees in the 2018-2019 season.
HOUSTON BALLET GUILD Founded in 1973, Houston Ballet Guild has supported Houston Ballet, its Academy, and special programs for more than 40 years. The Guild hosts the phenomenal Nutcracker Market each year and, along with other projects, has contributed millions of dollars since its inception. The group has underwritten the Sugar Plum Fairy costume in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and Houston Ballet’s bi-annual publication Houston Ballet News. Each year, Houston Ballet Guild volunteers collectively provide more than 5,400 hours of their time to support Houston Ballet.
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HOUSTON METHODIST This season will mark the 14th year of Houston Ballet’s partnership with Houston Methodist and the Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM). Houston Ballet is proud to have Houston Methodist as its Official Health Care Provider as well as receive the unique benefits provided to the dancers through CPAM—a specialized group of more than 100 elite physicians working collaboratively to address the specific demands placed on performing artists. Recently ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Texas by U.S. News and World Report, Houston Methodist supports Houston Ballet through its philanthropic giving in addition to providing high-quality health care to the dancers. Through the ongoing pandemic, Houston Methodist has been instrumental in creating guidelines to keep Houston Ballet dancers safe and healthy as they return to the studio.
JESSE H. JONES II Jesse H. “Jay” Jones II was first introduced to the ballet when his mother served on the Houston Ballet Board of Trustees. Now a Board Trustee himself since 1983, he currently serves on the Board’s Executive Committee as Vice President of Development. Jay was a member of the search committee for Stanton Welch and co-chaired the committees for Houston Ballet’s Dance With Us, Crisis Relief Fund, and Share the Joy campaigns. Jay was honored at the 2016 Ballet Ball and carries on a distinguished family legacy of civil leadership in Houston.
DEBORAH AND ED KOEHLER For nearly fifty years, Deborah and Ed Koehler have been Houston Ballet supporters and ticketholders. As the Executive Director of the Raymond N. Plank Philanthropy Fund, Deborah is instrumental in providing support to the Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement programs. The Koehlers have continued to give generously in honor of Lauren Anderson, Houston Ballet’s Associate Director of Education and Community Engagement. They feel deeply connected to the importance of Lauren’s work in introducing Houston’s youth to the joy of dance. The Koehlers recently made a lead gift to the Lauren Anderson Young Dancer Scholarship Fund, which invests in promising underrepresented young artists who aspire to be professional ballet dancers.
KPRC Official Television Partner of Houston Ballet, KPRC has been a leader in the Houston community for more than 65 years. Their unparalleled support in providing media coverage for artistic programming and the annual Nutcracker Market allows the organization to showcase the Company’s worldclass talent. In addition to providing exceptional media coverage, KPRC is a strong supporter of Houston Ballet’s special events. Houston Ballet is proud to partner with KPRC, Houston’s home for news. Houston Ballet is honored to have Vice President, General Manager Jerry Martin as a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees as Vice President of Marketing.
LETICIA LOYA For more than a decade, Leticia Loya has been a gracious supporter of Houston Ballet. Letty has held many leadership roles since she joined the Board of Trustees in 2005. From 2009 to 2016, she was Vice President of Academy, while championing the development of the Center for Dance facility. Through Letty’s continued commitment to the Company, Houston Ballet has brought many new works to the stage, including Zodiac; Revisit, Rebirth, Revolt; and What the H Stands For. Letty was recently honored at the 2019 Ballet Ball, and graciously provided underwriting support for Stanton Welch’s series of dance films In Good Company.
CARROLL AND HUGH RAY For more than 20 years, Carroll Ray has championed the mission of Houston Ballet. Her leadership has been instrumental to the success of many Houston Ballet initiatives, including the campaign of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Most recently, Carroll has underwritten a museum-quality installation for the Center for Dance to commemorate the Ballet’s history and achievements during its 50th anniversary season.
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ISLA AND T.R. RECKLING III Isla and T.R. Reckling III are both longtime supporters of the Ballet; as decades-long Opening Night season ticketholders, they have carried out a generational family legacy of support for Houston Ballet. Over the years, the Recklings have been active across many facets of the Ballet, including Nutcracker Market and special events such as the Ballet Ball. They were also important contributors to the Dance With Us campaign and the Crisis Relief Fund through leadership gifts.
YASUHIKO AND AKEMI SAITOH As lead underwriters for Houston Ballet’s 2022 Japan Tour, longtime Guild member and Trustee Akemi Saitoh and her husband Yasuhiko are committed to investing in the Ballet’s visibility on the world stage. The Saitohs have provided a warm welcome to Japanese students and dancers over the years, and have been invaluable in creating cross-cultural inroads for the Ballet, both in Houston and around the world. Akemi has traveled with the Company to both Hamburg and New York City, and their keen support of the Ballet’s special events has helped grow the Ballet Family among their many table guests over the years.
ALLISON AND TROY THACKER Loyal subscribers since 2012, Allison and Troy Thacker are deeply committed to seeing the Company prosper. Former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Allison currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Board. She and Troy made a generous challenge grant for the 2016 world premiere of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, helping to garner community-wide support for the new production. The Thackers underwrote Trey McIntyre’s world premiere, Pretty Things, in honor of the Company’s 50th anniversary; after being delayed in 2020, Pretty Things makes its debut this season.
ANN TRAMMELL Ann Trammell has been one of Houston Ballet’s most steadfast advocates for over three decades. Ann has taken on numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board and as a member of the capital campaign committee that raised $50 million for the Ballet’s state-of-the-art Center for Dance. She also is a member of the Arabesque Society, which recognizes friends who have included the Ballet in their estate plans, and was the honoree at the 2017 Ballet Ball. Recently, she was a generous contributor to Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and was instrumental in the Ballet’s Hurricane Harvey recovery and Crisis Relief Fund.
STEPHANIE AND FRANK TSURU Houston Ballet is honored to have Stephanie and Frank Tsuru as part of the Houston Ballet family. Stephanie serves on several boards across Houston and joined Houston Ballet as a Trustee in the 2018-2019 season, now serving on the Executive Committee. Stephanie and Frank generously underwrote Company dancer Oliver Halkowich’s world premiere in 2019 and are fundamental supporters of Houston Ballet special events. Stephanie and Frank are co-chairing the upcoming 2022 Ballet Ball and have generously underwritten Melody Mennite’s new work that will premiere this season.
PHOEBE AND BOBBY TUDOR Phoebe and Bobby Tudor have been amazing friends of Houston Ballet for more than two decades. Phoebe was a key member of the strategic planning committee and has served as Board President and Board Chairman. In 2014, Phoebe and Bobby underwrote John Neumeier’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, bringing its American premiere to Houston Ballet, and underwrote the world premiere of Stanton Welch’s Sylvia in 2019. Their incredible generosity was also instrumental in the creation of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, and they served as Honorary Chairs for the 2020 Ballet Ball.
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UNITED AIRLINES For over 15 years, United Airlines has been proud to be the Official Airline of Houston Ballet. United provides generous support to first-class arts organizations such as Houston Ballet and takes great pride in setting philanthropic standards in the community. United’s generous support has helped further Houston Ballet’s international recognition through its support of tours around the world, including tours to Melbourne, Australia; Ludwigshafen and Bonn, Germany; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. United Airlines was honored at the 2018 Ballet Ball.
HALLIE VANDERHIDER Hallie Vanderhider has made a tremendous impact since becoming part of the Houston Ballet family. She joined the Houston Ballet Board of Trustees in the 2017-2018 season and recently extended her leadership by joining the Executive Committee. As an incredible supporter of Houston Ballet’s special events, her generosity shines through the organization. Hallie served as Chairman for the 2018 Ballet Ball. Most recently, she underwrote Edwaard Liang’s Murmuration and provided critical support to the Ballet’s Crisis Relief Fund. This season, Hallie has generously underwritten our performances of George Balanchine’s iconic Jewels.
THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC.
MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS A pillar of the arts community in Houston, Margaret Alkek Williams is one of Houston Ballet’s most devoted supporters. Margaret has championed the works of Artistic Director Stanton Welch, supporting his landmark staging of Swan Lake in 2006. Her transformational gift in 2008 helped to build the Center for Dance. In addition, she endowed a Principal Dancer position held by Yuriko Kajiya and Houston Ballet’s annual gala performance, the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance. To help ensure the Company’s future, Margaret most recently endowed Houston Ballet’s building, The Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance. Houston Ballet is fortunate to be one of many organizations impacted so greatly by her generosity.
THE WORTHAM FOUNDATION, INC Founded in 1958, The Wortham Foundation is one of Houston’s most impactful art supporters contributing to the city’s performing and visual arts organizations as well as supporting community improvement projects throughout Houston. For nearly four decades, the Foundation has been instrumental in bringing many of Houston Ballet’s most loved and treasured story ballets to the Wortham Theater Center. The Foundation’s commitment to Houston’s arts and culture community can be seen and felt throughout the city—and it continues to uphold the values and incredible tradition of philanthropy established by founder Gus S. Wortham.
LYNN WYATT For more than 30 years, Lynn has been a passionate leader of Houston Ballet. She served as a key member of the search committee that recruited Stanton Welch AM. Their friendship has flourished over the years, and she continues to be a staunch supporter of his creative vision and has long been a champion of new work. Lynn generously underwrote Stanton Welch’s world premiere of Giselle and underwrote a new dance floor for the Company following the destruction from Hurricane Harvey. She was most recently honored at the 50th Anniversary Onstage Dinner.
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Annual Support Houston Ballet is grateful to our generous individual supporters who ensure we remain a world-class ballet company, bringing high-caliber, exhilarating performances and educational programming to audiences of all ages.
Directors Circle $50,000-$99,999
Friend of Houston Ballet Lori Gallagher and Curtis Huff Bobbie Nau Mr. and Mrs. Reginald R. Smith Mr. Mike S. Stude
Artists Circle $25,000-$49,999
Friend of Houston Ballet Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Bradshaw Lenni and Bill Burke Mrs. Jerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and Mr. Victor Costa Dr. Michael Hawkins and Dr. Liliana Soltero
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Loveland Stephen and Kelley Lubanko Kris and Richard McGee Marvin and Martha McMurrey Cabrina and Steven Owsley Mr. and Mrs. William E. Pritchard III
Mr. Kent A. Schaffer and Ms. Shara Kuy Dylan and Jordan Seff S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan Bonnie Weekley Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas J. Zdeblick
Presidents Circle $15,000-$24,999
Friend of Houston Ballet Dr. Julia Andrieni and Dr. Robert Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Phil Bazelides Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Belanger Jack Bell Dr. and Mrs. Devinder Bhatia Sasha Davis and Joseph Matulevich Bastiaan and Nathalie de Zeeuw Mr. and Mrs. James E. Furr
Mignon and Stephen Gill Sandy and Lee Godfrey Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Graubart Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Hafner, Jr. Claudia and David Hatcher Mrs. Nancy Ferguson Haywood Mr. and Mrs. Russell C. Joseph Susan Lapin D. M. Marcinek Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. May, Jr.
Marsha L. Montemayor Ms. Nancy Powell Moore James Nelson and Richard Lapin Mr. Dee S. Osborne Elisa and Cris Pye Macey and Harry Reasoner Ms. Elizabeth Schwarze Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas L. Swyka Mary and Greg Whalley
Impresario $10,000-$14,999
Friends of Houston Ballet Christopher Barr and Patricia Shanley Ms. Ann Bean Gary And Susan Binney Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Jr. Geraldine Briceño Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Myles and Leslie Culhane Mrs. Rosanette S. Cullen Marsha and Sam Dodson Bruce and Pamela Earthman Sharon F. Erskine Twana and Kelly Faykus Mr. and Mrs. Richard Finger Myrna Fisch Allison and Adam Flikerski The Friedkin Group/Marc and Brenda Watts 36
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Mitchell B. George and Stanley Curtis, Jr. Nancy L. Harwell Hope Huber Donna Kaplan and Richard Lydecker Dr. Dale G. Konicek Elizabeth and Bill Kroger Sissy Lappin Ms. Melanie Lawson and Mr. John F. Guess, Jr. Dr. Bridgitte Shen Lee and Mr. Eugene E. Lee Evelyn Leightman Elizabeth and Charlie Leykum Marilyn G. Lummis Joseph and Jenifer Matula Judy and Dan McClure Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mithoff Ms. Beth Muecke Drs. Duyen and Marc Nguyen
Sara and James Parr Kevin S. Potter Mrs. Lila Rauch Mike Rydin Ms. Samira A. Salman Max Seewann and Sheel Patel Helen and Jim Shaffer Dannika E. Simpson Heidi and Marcus Smith Jessica Trincanello and Jeremy Griggs Mr. and Mrs. David M. Underwood, Jr. Mr. Timothy Wampler Mrs. Kelli Weinzierl Drs. Randall and Crystal Wright Dow and Meredith Zabolio Rini and Edward Ziegler
ANNUAL SUPPORT VIRTUOSO $7,500-$9,999 Friend of Houston Ballet Nancy C. Allen Zachary and Karen Bell Dr. Patrick Benge C. Robert Bunch and Lilia D. Khakimova Marcia and Tom Faschingbauer Marion and Gary Glober Mr. Samuel F. Gorman Mr. and Mrs. Brian B. Hughes Dr. Raymond and Leora Kahn Susan and Michael Klaveness Ms. Tracy N. LeRoy Ginni and Richard Mithoff Mr. and Mrs. Frederick J. Plaeger II Dr. David W. Reininger and Laura Lee Jones Fay and George A. Rizzo Susan and Ed Septimus Syma and Walter Zerkow AMBASSADOR $4,000-$7,499 Friends of Houston Ballet Mr. and Mrs. W. Kendall Adam Ms. Jacqueline S. Akins Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Alguire Maida and Paul Asofsky Dr. Saul and Ursula Balagura Anne Morgan Barrett Mr. Duane Bennett Muffet Blake Nancy Boruta Anne Orton Boss Ms. Michaela Botha Mr. and Mrs. Douglas J. Bourne Mr. and Mrs. David A. Bristol, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brookner Lindsey Brown Judy Gray Brunk Reagan and Claudia Burch Carol Butler Jess and Patricia Carnes Beth and Michael Chambers Nada Chandler Mr. Robert Chanon Donna Collins Mr. Robert and Dr. Carol Collins C.C. Conner, Jr. and David Groover Sylvie and Gary Crum Rochelle Cyprus Douglas R. Davis and Rachel J. Littman David and Lynne Devine Mr. and Mrs. Cody Dick Sandra Didlake Ms. Jane DiPaolo Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Doneker Ms. Catherine M. Donohue Mrs. Carol Drawe Burl and Jenny Wang Drews Rebecca and Brian Duncan Danielle Ellis C.C. and Duke Ensell The Honorable Catherine and Mr. James Evans Mary Ann and Larry Faulkner Vicki Faulkner Sidney Faust Marla and Stewart Feldman Marion and Caroline Freeman Joe and Laura Freudenberger Prince and Princess Piotr and Maria-Anna Galitzine Cynthia and Ty Geiger Dr. Eugenia George Ms. Debra Gibson Dr. and Mrs. George S. Glass Mr. and Mrs. Murphy Graham Mr. and Mrs. Joel Grossman William and Jane Guest Kerry and Jay Harpole Linda Lloyd Hart
Susan and Michael Hawes Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hibbert Gillian Hobson Gary Hollingsworth and Ken Hyde Lonnie Hoogeboom and Betsy Strauch Mrs. James E. Hooks Sandra and Richard Jackson Debbie and Frank Jones Mrs. Neale W. Kempner John Atterbury Kendall Ms. Ann Koster Mrs. Warren W. Kreft Jake and Jennifer Kushner Angie Lane and Nick Eoff Stephanie Larsen and Bryn Kristen Larsen Chad Libertus Ms. Judy Liu Eugene F. Loveland Stephen and Chris Lukin Dr. and Mrs. Michael Mann Melanie and Jerry Martin Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Matiuk Tom Mays Dorothy B. McCaine Bill, Julie and Jason McClung Warren and Yana McFatter Mimi Reed McGehee Vickie Milazzo and Thomas Ziemba Mr. and Mrs. Jordan H. Mintz David and Mary Montague Kathleen Moore and Steven Homer Brad and Lauren Morgan Tammy and Wayne Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. James M. Nicklos Steven J. O’Connor and Catherine L. Cegielski-O’Connor Mr. Michael and Mrs. Catherine Oestmann Martha Farish Oti Mr. and Mrs. R. Robert Page Robert and Mireille Patman Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Alexander Pincu Mr. Vsevolod Popov Ms. Lori Fultz Priess Joan and Lou Pucher Sharon Roark Joseph Henry Rose Bob Scott and Susan Bickley Sarah and Tom Scott Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Simmons Michael B. Smith Frances and Chris Stacy James Stafford and Deborah Keyser Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stibolt Summit Dental Center-Dr. Essa A. Kawaja Dr. Jeffrey Sweterlitsch Dr. Jeff and Erin Thompson Diana C. Treviño Paul and Sherry Vaughan Stanton Welch AM Mrs. Sara E. White Susan Whitfield Mrs. Andrew Wilkomirski Loretta and Lawrence Williams Helen B. Wils and Leonard A. Goldstein Mr. John L. Zipprich II YOUNG AMBASSADORS $2,000 Friends of Houston Ballet Renee Anderson Nicholas Baran Katherine Brooker and Thomas Stenack Sara Carbo, River Oaks Dance Rebecca Childs Claudia Espinosa Jessie Gill Victoria Gutierrez Lindsey Hurst Ms. Mariya Idenova Shannon Lindamood
Shane A. Miller David Moyer II R. Trevor Myers Elizabeth Price Melissa Reihle Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ritchie Kristiann Rushton Lauren Walstad Hardy Alexandra Yates BRAVO $2,000-$3,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George J. Abdo Mrs. Elaine Adams Leslie Alston and Michael Zenker Lauren and Mark Bahorich Michelle and Lorne Bain Mr. and Mrs. Paul Balmert Drs. Robert and Nancy Benjamin Stephen and Linda Bickel Tessa Bodnar Ingrid Osborn Bond In Remembrance of Howard King Bostock Mr. and Mrs. R. Lawrence Brown III Dr. and Mrs. Raul Caffesse Drs. Steven Craig and Janet Kohlhase In Memory of Ramon Creixell Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Denham Cynthia A. Diller Mrs. Jenny Elkins Betsy M. Figueroa Mrs. Elaine Finger Ms. Leslie Gassner Lisa Gray Dave and Bodil Guenther Mr. and Mrs. Ross K. Hill Sippi and Ajay Khurana Mr. and Mrs. William H. Knull III Dr. Claire Langston Paul and Nancy LeGros Nicole and Julius Leitner Mr. and Mrs. Peter MacGregor Monica McNeill Patti Mullendore Paula and Geoff Newton Paul and Arvella Oliver Mrs. Peg Palisin and Mr. Gary C. Gardner Captain Kim and Rosie Parker Grace Phillips and Eugene Nosal Jim and Kaylon Phillips Ann and Lou Raden Mr. Shannon Sasser and Mrs. Leslie Elkins Sasser Barbara and Louis Sklar Allison and Tom Stovall Dr. Wadi N. Suki and Dr. Adaani E. Frost Susan Lee Taylor Drs. Peter and Pamela Triolo Lynda Underwood Ann Wales Kristine and Stephen Wallace Dr. Joan and Mike Weltzien Betsy Winn Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wright ENCORE $1,000-$1,999 Friends of Houston Ballet Norah G. Adams Ms. Cecilia Aguilar Joan and Stanford Alexander Jonni and Skip Almoney Kenneth Anderson and Jean-Marie Simon Mr. and Mrs. Daniel O. Aronson Ann and Jonathan Ayre Laura and Tom Bacon Anthony and Gina Bahr Kristina Baizan Devereux Mrs. Greta Bandy Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Banks HOUSTON BALLET
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ANNUAL SUPPORT
Corporations, Foundations, and Public Agencies Houston Ballet gratefully acknowledges the support of the following corporations, foundations, and public agencies.
$750,000 OR MORE Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation, Inc. The Brown Foundation, Inc. Houston Methodist $500,000-$749,999 The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $250,000-$499,999 City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance The Cullen Foundation The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation The Hearst Foundations $100,000-$249,999 Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation ConocoPhillips Houston Ballet Guild The Elkins Foundation KPRC The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Texas Commission on the Arts United Airlines $50,000-$99,999 Bank of America Beauchamp Foundation Chevron City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board, Inc. The Freebird Foundation H-E-B Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo The Humphreys Foundation KPMG The Powell Foundation Shell Oil Company Vivian L. Smith Foundation Wells Fargo $25,000-$49,999 Baker Botts LLP De Beers Jewellers The Fondren Foundation William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation
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King & Spalding LLP M. D. Anderson Foundation Norton Rose Fulbright Rand Group The Sarofim Foundation Texas Children’s Hospital – Pavilion for Women Truist Bank Van Cleef & Arpels Vinson & Elkins LLP $10,000-$24,999 BHP Bora The Friedkin Group George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation William E. & Natoma Pyle Harvey Charitable Trust Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Jerome Robbins Foundation KNOWAutism Foundation Robert & Pearl Knox Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee John P. McGovern Foundation Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) Nan and Company Properties National Endowment for the Arts Scurlock Foundation The William A. & Madeline Smith Foundation Sterling-Turner Foundation Truluck’s The Vaughn Foundation $2,500-$9,999 Bridge Development Partners LLC The Joan and Marvin Kaplan Foundation The Sartain and Tamez Family Trust Fund Sidley Austin LLP Strake Foundation $1,000-$2,499 EagleLight LLC Houston (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated The Oshman Foundation Performance Solar Inc.
Monica and Scott Barker Stephen Barnes, MD, JD and Amy Barnes Deborah Bautch Victor and Anna Mae Beghini Fund Elise Bentch Ed A. and Valerie Blair Mona Bostwick Ms. Barbara Brooks Cecilia and David Campbell Marilyn Caplovitz Stephanie and Ted Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cato Drs. David A. Cech and Mary R. Schwartz Dr. Rupi Chatha Angela Chen Drs. Melissa and Stephen Chen Neel and Adrienne Choksi Janette Choy Steve and Lynne Clark Mr. Wayne Clark Brenda J. and Richard Clem Judy and Art Coen Alice and Michael Conlon In Memory of Becky Crow Ms. Gay Currie Mr. and Mrs. John deGroot Cindy and Al DeMoya Drs. Rafael Diaz and Yanett Anaya Jeanne Doornbos and Michael Maher EagleLight Consulting The Escalona Family Suzi Feickert Mr. Robert Feldman Charles and Sharlynn Fenn Mrs. Madeleine Ferris Ms. Stella Fitzgibbons Mike and Lindsay Fiuzat Ermanno and Franca Florio Mary Lou Flynn-Dupart Mr. and Mrs. Harris Forbes Curtis Ford Lois Frankel Christopher and Ann Frautschi Paula Friedlander Robert and Jayne Garner Ms. Lucy Gebhart Stephan Gelinsky Anne Marit Ghazi Jason and Monik Giordano Russell Handy Karen R. and Franklin J. Harberg, Jr. Ms. Jacquelyn Harrison Cynthia Herzog and Rocky High Mr. Robert Heyl Mr. and Mrs. John Higgins Ms. Kathryn de Sousa Craig and Kate Holzhauser Mr. Scott P. Howard Ms. Barbara J. Hughey Mr. James Hunter Caroline and Bruce Hurley Mr. Francisco J. Izaguirre Debra W. Jackson Mr. and Mrs. Justin Jarski Jill and Dunham Jewett Ms. Emily Kao Ara Karian Ms. Jody Kelley Ann and Tom Kelsey Doug and Karen Kenaley Stephen and Patricia King Rob and Karen Kwok Brenda Landry Parry and Sydney Lauzon Alex and Victoria Lazar Mr. Jaime Ledergerber Joseph Levitan and Nicolo Messana George and Helen Littell Mrs. Sylvia Lohkamp
ANNUAL SUPPORT Linnar Looris Mr. Robert Lorio David and Susan Loveland Marvin Lummis Dr. Brian Malechuk and Mr. Kevin Melgaard Mr. Thomas Manners Renee Margolin Shelly Mark Dr. Mary F. McAleer Mr. and Mrs. James McCartney V Michael and Onalee McEwen April and Wells McGee Ms. Patricia McMahon Bill and Judy McNamee Katie and Kurt Meissner Christianne Melanson and Durwin Sharp Colonel Michael Mergens and Mrs. Mergens Julie Miles Mrs. Eileen Moore Ms. Desrye Morgan Terrylin G. Neale Mrs. Kim T. Nguyen Mrs. Jo Papadakis Carolyn W. Payne Richard A. and Thelma A. Percoco Mr. and Mrs. Cameron Ray Wanda A. Reynolds Ms. Diana Riggle Dr. and Mrs. Mark S. Rigo Elena Lexina and Brian Rishikof Maura and Walter Ritchie Gregory and Dina Rozenfeld Brenda and Mansel Rubenstein DonNell Rushing Robert and Michele Ryan Mrs. Dominique D. Salazar-Rodgers and Dr. Shawn M. Rodgers Dan and Brenda Sauls Mr. and Mrs. Russell D. Sellen Juan Serrato M.D. Audrey and Sofie Sims Jewel Sims and Thomas Springer Tricia and Mark Singer Mrs. Randal Smith Mr. William Snypes and Mrs. Suzanne Suter Mrs. Christine Sofka Ms. Judy Spinella Christen and Amy Springs Carol Todd Stamatedes James and Ginger Stark Marty and Bob Stein Mr. Sam L. Stolbun and Dr. Alana R. Spiwak Kay and Bert Tabor Amir Taghi Dr. Deborah A. Thomas Marty Thomas Mrs. Jean A. Unger Dean Walker Suzanne Walstad Dr. and Mrs. J. Anthony Walter III Barbara and Howard Weiner Mr. Gary Whitney Mary Anne Wilkinson and Bill Samelson Janice B. Willett The Wolens Family Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Wright Lori and Scott Wulfe Cheryl Lynn Zane
These generous donations were received before April 28, 2022. For more information about supporting Houston Ballet through annual membership, please contact Darry Hearon, Assistant Director, Major and Planned Gifts, at 713.535.3275 or dhearon@houstonballet.org.
Arabesque Society The Arabesque Society recognizes and honors those friends who have provided for Houston Ballet in their estate plans. These generous individuals allow Houston Ballet to continue to perform world-class ballet, be a premier training ground for dance, and create important education and community outreach programs by helping to safeguard its future. With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the following donors for including Houston Ballet in their estate plans. Friends of Houston Ballet Dr. and Mrs. George Abdo Susan Battelstein Jack Bell Dr. Patrick Benge The Edna Madden and Paul John Berres Charitable Remainder Trust Myra Brown Tripp Carter Cecil C. Conner, Jr. Sasha Davis Burton Dickey and Yean Sun Debra Donaldson Sharon Erskine Susan Feickert Myrna Fisch Mrs. Barry Galt Mitchell B. George Mr. Samuel F. Gorman Anne and Donald Graubart Mr. Jas A. Gundry Linda Lloyd Hart Ms. Karen J. Hartnett Nancy Ferguson Haywood Dr. Lamar and Jane Jackson Charitable Remainder Trust Jesse H. Jones II
Barbara and Raymond Kalmans John A. Kendall Dr. James E. and Betty W. Key Mrs. Evelyn Leightman Christianne Melanson Shane A. Miller Mr. Juan R. Morales Ms. Kathleen Much Mrs. Patti Murphy James D. Nelson Dr. Susan Osterberg Richard A. and Thelma A. Percoco Dr. Didier Piot Rick and Kathy Plaeger Shelly and Marty Power Mrs. Lila Rauch Sharon Roark Jon and Nell Schwartz Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Toth Ann G. Trammell Lynda Lighthouse Transier Ms. Jana E. Vander Lee Elba L. Villarreal Dean Walker Margaret (Midge) Wische Cecily and Jim Young Mr. John Zipprich
We honor the memory of those who included Houston Ballet in their estate plans. Harriet Bath Audrey Jones Beck Joe Anne Berwick Raymona Brown Bomar Mary Frances Newton Bowers Suzanne S. Braden Ira B. Brown Lawrence E. Carlton George W. Ernst, Jr. 52 PLAYBILL Frank R. Eyler Linda K. Finger Cora Lee Gott David Haber Mickey Hagey
Kevin Harvey Mr. John S.W. Kellett Frederick Adrian Lee Mr. E. Daniel Leightman Elizabeth Martin Harris Masterson III Mr. William McAnear Charles Edward McKerley Dr. Matilda B. Melnick Robert A. Moody David Glenn Puckett Gloria E. Roberti Mr. Richard H. Stork Anita B. Stude Dorothy B. Thomas
For more information about The Arabesque Society, please contact Megan Raines, Director of Individual Giving at 713.535.3241 or mraines@houstonballet.org
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Houston Ballet Endowment Endowed funds assist Houston Ballet in attracting talented artists.
The Harris Masterson III Artistic Director – Stanton Welch AM The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Principal Dancer – Yuriko Kajiya The Melza M. Barr Principal Dancer – Melody Mennite The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Principal Dancer – Jessica Collado The Fondren Foundation Principal Dancer – Connor Walsh The Houston Ballet Guild Principal Dancer – Karina González The Houston Ballet Guild First Soloist – Allison Miller The Anita B. Stude Principal Dancer – Charles-Louis Yoshiyama The Robert F. Parker Principal Dancer – Soo Youn Cho The Carolyn Lee and Frederick Adrian Lee Production Fund supports the creation of new productions and the restoration of existing works. Margaret Alkek Williams / The Alkek and Williams Foundation endows the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance. The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation endows the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance, Houston Ballet’s annual gala performance. The Ira and Myra Brown Young Dancer Scholarship Fund underwrites training for Academy dancers annually. The Fayez Sarofim & Co. Touring Fund supports Houston Ballet’s domestic and international tours.
The C. C. Conner Scholarship Fund, The Roy M. Huffington Scholarship Fund, The Billie Bath Perlman Scholarship Fund, and The Winifred Wallace Scholarship Fund each underwrite training for one HBII dancer annually. The Margaret Wiess Elkins Young Artist Fund, The Ben Stevenson Scholarship Fund and The Anita Borges Stude Scholarship Fund each underwrite training for one Academy dancer annually. The AIG American General/AIG VALIC Education and Community Engagement Programs Fund helps Houston Ballet reach a broad population of all ages and economic levels.
With deep gratitude, we salute the following donors for their contributions to the Endowment.
$5,000,000 OR MORE The Brown Foundation, Inc. Estate of Frederic Adrian Lee Margaret Alkek Williams / The Alkek and Williams Foundation $3,000,000-$4,999,999 Estate of George W. Ernst, Jr. The Wortham Foundation, Inc. $1,000,000-$2,999,999 The Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation, Inc. The Cullen Foundation The Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts Houston Endowment, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III†
$500,000-$999,999 Ira† and Myra Brown National Endowment for the Arts Mr. Fayez Sarofim $100,000-$499,999 Friends of Houston Ballet AIG American General/AIG VALIC Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Arnold, Jr. Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation Estate of Audrey Jones Beck Estate of Joe Anne Berwick Estate of Suzanne S. Braden Mrs. Laurie Champion The Cockrell Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Peter R. Coneway Charles Engelhard Foundation Mr. James A. Elkins, Jr.† The Elkins Foundation
The Fondren Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William J. Gillingham† Hearst Foundations Mr. William J. Hill† Barbara F. and Gerald D. Hines† Hobby Family Foundation Houston Ballet Guild Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long Mary Ralph Lowe Estate of William McAnear Mr. and Mrs. George P. Mitchell† Mitchell Energy & Development Corp. Mr. and Mrs. Roy S. O’Connor Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Parker Mr. Henry Salvatori Scurlock Foundation Tarrant Hancock Trust Estate of Dorothy B. Thomas †in memoriam
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HOUSTON BALLET
Happy shoppers at Nutcracker Market SPRING
Happy merchant at Nutcracker Market SPRING
SPECIAL EVENTS
2022 Nutcracker Market SPRING THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 8-10 found the beautiful colors of a new season splashed across the aisles of NRG Center for Nutcracker Market SPRING. Rolling out for its third iteration, this sunnysky version of November’s longtime shopping tradition helped Houstonians bid a fond farewell to their winter wardrobes and embrace lively new trends and styles in clothing, accessories, and handbags. There were plenty of home décor inspirations and gourmet food selections, alongside one-of-a-kind gifts for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and those upcoming wedding and graduations. In total, 167 merchants were on display – providing shoppers with plenty of tempting options – all in support of Houston Ballet. Thank you to our dedicated shoppers, sponsors, merchants, and everyone involved in creating another memorable Market.
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In the Wings
Houston Ballet will present Originals June 2-12, 2022 at the Wortham Theater Center. For tickets, please visit houstonballet.org or call the box office at 713.227.2787.
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HOUSTON BALLET
Nao Kusuzaki in Stanton Welch’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Photo by Amitava Sarkar
Known for innovation and forward thinking, Houston Ballet fosters artists both on and offstage. Originals showcases two ballets by Artistic Director Stanton Welch and the premiere of a new one-act ballet by Houston Ballet Principal Dancer Melody Mennite. After the great success of her earlier work for the Margaret Alkek Williams Jubilee of Dance in 2018, Mennite presents her first full commissioned work for the Company, a very important achievement for the 20-year Company member and Houston Ballet Academy alum. Audiences can expect enticing designs and thrilling music from the growing choreographer’s new work. Originals will also feature a world premiere from Principal Dancer Connor Walsh, set to music composed and conducted by Dallas native Quinn Mason. Orange, from Welch's series of ballets inspired by the colors of the chakra, will be performed with globally acclaimed Dance Theatre of Harlem. This will mark the first time that both Companies share the stage. The program is anchored by Welch’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra set to Benjamin Britten’s iconic work of the same title, a score written by Britten as a way to educate youth on the art of the orchestra. Created on Houston Ballet in 2014, this large-scale, collaborative piece features the entire Company and the talented musicians of the Houston Ballet Orchestra while demonstrating art’s place in our culture and city. Costume designs by Holly Hynes and lighting by Lisa J. Pinkham harmonize with this exquisite work for a truly exhilarating performance.
LAUREN ANDERSON YOUNG DANCER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Honor a hometown hero by becoming one. Every gift to the Lauren Anderson Young Dancer Scholarship Fund makes you a champion for Houston Ballet’s stars of tomorrow and will be generously matched dollar-for-dollar by Deborah and Edward Koehler.
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